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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 37. I would like to invest in SIP. Since I am new to this, I would like to have some suggestions. Could you please enlighten on the various types and options?

Ans: SIP, or Systematic Investment Plan, is a method of investing a fixed sum regularly in mutual funds. It helps in disciplined investing, reduces the impact of market volatility, and allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. Types of mutual funds include equity funds, debt funds, hybrid funds, and thematic/specialty funds. Depending on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon, you can choose the type of fund that best suits your needs. It's advisable to consult with a financial advisor to determine the most suitable investment strategy for you.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 26, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am just new in sip. I wanted to what will be the best way to start? Which ones to choose to get good returns in long term? My risk appetite is medium or above. Thank you
Ans: Starting Your SIP Journey: A Guide for New Investors
Welcome to the world of SIPs! Starting your SIP journey is an exciting step towards building wealth for the future. Let's explore the best way for you to begin and identify suitable investment options for achieving good returns over the long term.


Congratulations on taking the initiative to start your SIP journey! Your decision to invest in SIPs demonstrates a proactive approach towards securing your financial future.

Understanding Your Investment Goals and Risk Appetite
Investment Goals:
Define your financial goals and objectives, considering factors such as retirement planning, wealth creation, or education funding.
Establishing clear investment goals will help you select SIPs that align with your objectives.
Risk Appetite:
Assess your risk tolerance to determine your comfort level with market volatility.
Since you indicate a medium to high risk appetite, you may consider equity-oriented SIPs for potentially higher returns.
Choosing SIPs for Long-Term Growth
Equity Mutual Funds:
Equity mutual funds have historically delivered higher returns over the long term compared to other asset classes.
Consider diversified equity funds, large-cap funds, multi-cap funds, or thematic funds based on your risk appetite and investment horizon.
Balanced Funds:
Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, offer a mix of equity and debt investments, providing a balanced approach to risk and return.
These funds can be suitable for investors seeking moderate risk exposure with relatively stable returns.
Thematic Funds:
Thematic funds invest in specific sectors or themes, offering exposure to emerging trends or industries.
While thematic funds can potentially generate higher returns, they also carry higher risk due to concentrated exposure.
Constructing Your SIP Portfolio
Diversification:
Maintain a well-diversified SIP portfolio across different asset classes, sectors, and fund categories to reduce risk.
Avoid concentration in any single investment or sector to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations.
Regular Review and Rebalancing:
Periodically review your SIP portfolio to assess performance and ensure alignment with your financial goals.
Consider rebalancing your portfolio if necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Getting Started with SIPs
Selecting SIPs:
Research and shortlist mutual funds based on their track record, fund manager expertise, investment philosophy, and risk-adjusted returns.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to identify SIPs that align with your financial goals and risk profile.
Systematic Investing:
Start your SIPs with an amount you are comfortable investing regularly, considering your cash flow and financial obligations.
Set up SIPs for a fixed amount at regular intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to benefit from rupee cost averaging.
Conclusion: Embarking on Your SIP Journey
Starting your SIP journey requires careful consideration of your investment goals, risk appetite, and fund selection. By choosing suitable SIPs aligned with your long-term financial goals and regularly monitoring your portfolio's performance, you can lay a solid foundation for wealth creation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 03, 2024Hindi
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I am 43 years old.i want to start investing in SIPs. I plan to put Rs50k every month for a period of around 17 years till retirement. Kindly advise what SIPs should i choose at start to get a 14-15% growth with medium risk?
Ans: Congratulations on taking the proactive step towards securing your financial future through systematic investment planning. Let's craft a strategic SIP portfolio tailored to your goal of achieving 14-15% growth with medium risk over a 17-year investment horizon:

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Before diving into investment recommendations, it's crucial to understand your financial aspirations, risk tolerance, and time horizon. By aligning your investments with your goals, we can design a portfolio that maximizes growth potential while managing risk effectively.

Asset Allocation Strategy
To achieve your target growth with medium risk, we'll adopt a balanced asset allocation approach, combining equity and debt instruments. Equity funds offer growth potential, while debt funds provide stability and income generation.

Equity SIPs (70% Allocation):
Large Cap Funds (30%): Invest in large-cap funds for stability and steady growth potential. These funds focus on well-established companies with a track record of performance and market leadership.

Multi Cap Funds (40%): Allocate a significant portion to multi-cap funds, offering diversification across market capitalizations. These funds have the flexibility to invest in companies across sectors and market segments, enhancing growth potential.

Debt SIPs (30% Allocation):
Short Duration Funds (15%): Park a portion of your SIP investments in short-duration funds for stability and income generation. These funds invest in debt securities with a maturity period of 1-3 years, providing relatively stable returns.

Dynamic Bond Funds (15%): Opt for dynamic bond funds to capitalize on interest rate movements while managing risk effectively. These funds dynamically adjust their portfolio duration based on interest rate outlook, maximizing returns in different market conditions.

Considerations:
Risk Management: While targeting higher growth, it's essential to balance risk by diversifying across asset classes and fund categories. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Long-term Perspective: Stay committed to your investment plan and maintain a long-term horizon. SIPs thrive on consistency and discipline, allowing you to benefit from the power of compounding over time.

Professional Guidance:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to validate your investment strategy and ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can provide personalized recommendations and help you navigate market uncertainties effectively.

Conclusion:
By adopting a strategic SIP investment plan with a balanced asset allocation between equity and debt funds, you can potentially achieve your target growth of 14-15% with medium risk over a 17-year horizon. Stay focused on your financial goals, review your portfolio periodically, and seek professional guidance when needed to optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
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I wanted to invest in SIP, but I dont have much of knowledge in it. Can anyone suggest some good funds and details aboit how to select the funds.
Ans: Investing in SIPs is a great choice for building wealth. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds.

Evaluating Fund Options

Choosing the right funds is crucial. You should aim for a balanced portfolio with various fund types.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are handled by experts. These funds often perform better than index funds. The professional management helps in optimizing returns and reducing risks.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require more knowledge and active management. They lack professional guidance. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures better decisions and better portfolio management.

Steps to Select Good Funds

Assess Your Goals: Understand your financial goals. This will help in choosing the right fund types.

Risk Appetite: Know your risk tolerance. Different funds have different risk levels.

Performance Track Record: Look at the fund's historical performance. Consistency over the years is key.

Fund Manager: Check the experience and track record of the fund manager. Experienced managers often deliver better results.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can lead to higher returns. But, ensure it doesn’t compromise on quality management.

Recommendations

Seek Professional Advice: Consult a CFP. They can guide you in selecting the best funds based on your goals and risk appetite.

Diversify: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. Diversification reduces risk and improves returns.

Final Insights

Investing in SIPs is a smart way to grow your wealth. Choose actively managed funds for better performance. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investments align with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 22, 2024

Money
Hello, I'm a 32 year old guy. I want to invest in SIP. But I am new to it. I can invest 30,000 per month. Please help me and suggest. Your suggestions are most valuable to me. Thank you
Ans: Investing in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a great way to build wealth over the long term. Since you are new to SIPs, let’s approach this systematically so that your investments align with your financial goals, risk appetite, and timeline.

Below, I’ll break down my recommendations and guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding SIP Investments
SIPs are a method to invest in mutual funds, where you regularly contribute a fixed amount monthly. It’s a disciplined and consistent way to invest, particularly for beginners. The power of SIPs lies in rupee cost averaging, which ensures you buy more units when the market is down and fewer when the market is up. Over time, this balances out your investments and reduces risk.

SIPs are an excellent tool for achieving long-term goals like retirement, children's education, buying a home, or creating wealth.

Now, let's discuss how you can start investing Rs. 30,000 per month.

Step-by-Step Plan for Your SIP Investment
1. Assess Your Risk Profile
Understanding your risk tolerance is crucial. Since you are new to SIPs and investing, it’s vital to know how comfortable you are with the volatility of the market.

If you are risk-averse, you may want to focus on funds with moderate risk, such as large-cap funds or balanced funds. These funds tend to invest in established companies, providing a stable return with relatively lower risk.

If you have a moderate risk appetite, you can diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This way, you can take advantage of high-growth mid-sized companies while still having the stability of large-cap stocks.

If you are risk-tolerant and willing to accept market fluctuations for potentially higher returns, you can consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Small-cap funds can offer high growth, but they also come with higher volatility.

It’s important to strike a balance according to your risk comfort.

2. Investment Time Horizon
Before selecting funds, you need to decide on your investment horizon:

If your goal is 5 to 7 years away, your focus should be more on funds that offer stability, like large-cap and balanced funds.

For a 7 to 10-year horizon, you can take on more risk and include mid-cap funds in your portfolio, allowing time for these funds to grow and recover from any market corrections.

If you’re investing for more than 10 years, you can consider adding small-cap funds, which tend to provide high growth but require a long time to perform well.

Longer investment horizons allow you to take higher risks, as you’ll have time to ride out any market fluctuations.

3. Allocation of Rs. 30,000 SIP

Diversification is the key to balancing risk and returns. Here's a suggested allocation based on a balanced approach (assuming moderate risk tolerance):

50% in Large-cap funds: These are relatively stable, investing in top companies with established business models. For example, if you are investing Rs. 30,000 per month, Rs. 15,000 can be allocated to large-cap funds. This helps you build a strong foundation with steady returns over time.

30% in Mid-cap funds: Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. Allocate Rs. 9,000 of your SIP here. This provides a good blend of stability and growth.

20% in Small-cap funds: Small-cap funds are riskier but can yield high returns in the long term. You can allocate Rs. 6,000 here, which can help you capitalize on emerging companies.

This is a general guideline and can be adjusted based on your preference.

4. Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend actively managed funds instead of index funds. Here’s why:

Flexibility: Actively managed funds give fund managers the ability to adjust the portfolio during market volatility. Index funds are rigid and track a fixed set of stocks, which may not perform well in certain market conditions.

Opportunity for Outperformance: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform their benchmark indices due to the expertise of fund managers. Index funds, on the other hand, only mirror the performance of the index, which limits returns.

Downside Protection: In a falling market, actively managed funds may reduce exposure to underperforming sectors, thus protecting your portfolio from significant losses. Index funds do not offer this flexibility.

5. Choosing Regular Funds Over Direct Funds

Since you're new to investing, it’s advisable to opt for regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who is a Certified Financial Planner. Here’s why:

Expert Guidance: A CFP will help you select the right funds based on your goals, risk profile, and market conditions. Direct funds require you to have the knowledge and time to research and manage your portfolio on your own.

Ongoing Support: MFDs provide ongoing advice, review your portfolio, and suggest changes if needed. This ensures your investments are always aligned with your financial goals.

Administrative Ease: With regular funds, your CFP can take care of the paperwork and ensure smooth transactions. You won’t have to deal with the administrative aspects of your investments.

While the expense ratio of regular funds may be slightly higher than direct funds, the benefits of professional advice far outweigh this cost, especially for new investors like yourself.

6. Building an Emergency Fund First

Before you start investing your full Rs. 30,000 in SIPs, it’s essential to ensure you have an emergency fund. This fund will protect you in case of unforeseen expenses like medical emergencies, job loss, or urgent financial needs.

Aim to set aside at least 6 months of your monthly expenses in a liquid or debt fund. This ensures quick access to funds without market risk.

You can allocate a portion of your Rs. 30,000 (say Rs. 5,000 per month) to build your emergency fund first and then fully focus on SIPs after that.

7. The Importance of Reviewing and Rebalancing

Once you start investing, don’t forget to review your portfolio periodically. The market can be volatile, and your financial goals may change over time.

Review your portfolio at least once a year with your CFP.

Rebalance if necessary. For instance, if your small-cap funds are growing rapidly, they might start taking up too much of your portfolio. In this case, you may need to sell some units and reinvest in large-cap funds to maintain balance.

Keep your focus on the long-term goals, and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations.

8. Long-Term Strategy for Wealth Creation

Investing in SIPs is a long-term strategy. Here are some key points to remember:

Stay Consistent: Invest regularly without worrying about market ups and downs. SIPs are designed to reduce the impact of volatility through rupee cost averaging.

Avoid Trying to Time the Market: Timing the market can be risky and often leads to losses. Instead, stay disciplined and focus on your goals.

Increase SIP Over Time: As your income grows, aim to increase your SIP contributions. Even a small increase every year can significantly boost your corpus over time.

Finally
You are on the right path by choosing SIPs for long-term wealth creation. With a diversified approach, regular reviews, and discipline, you can achieve your financial goals.

Focus on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and proper allocation across large, mid, and small-cap funds. Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner who can guide you in maintaining and adjusting your portfolio as per market conditions.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9445 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 26, 2025

Career
BITS Goa EEE or NIT Calicut EEE
Ans: BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus offers a B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering with NAAC A+ accreditation and Institute of Eminence status. The program features modern infrastructure including specialized EEE laboratories, a Central Sophisticated Instrumentation Facility with advanced equipment like confocal microscope, FESEM, and Raman spectrometer, alongside comprehensive industry partnerships including Amazon Web Services and GitHub for startup support. The campus spans 180 acres with fully residential facilities and smart classrooms. NIT Calicut's B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering holds NBA accreditation for 6 years (2022-2028) under the stringent Tier-I evaluation scheme and is ranked 25th in NIRF Engineering rankings 2024. The institute achieved a remarkable 97.01% placement rate for EEE students in 2024, with 130 out of 134 registered students securing positions, demonstrating exceptional industry demand. Both institutions maintain essential benchmarks including statutory approvals, modern laboratory facilities, research-active faculty with doctoral qualifications, active industry Mships, and consistent placement support exceeding 75% over three years. BITS Goa commands higher fees of ?20.76 lakh for the complete program versus NIT Calicut's ?5 lakh, but offers unique Practice School programs ensuring 7+ months of industry experience. The BITS alumni network includes prominent entrepreneurs and unicorn founders, while NIT Calicut benefits from the extensive NIT Alumni Network spanning multiple countries.

Recommendation: Choose NIT Calicut's EEE for its exceptional 97% placement consistency, NBA Tier-I accreditation, cost-effectiveness at ?5 lakh fees, and strong government institute reputation with established industry connections. Consider BITS Goa's EEE if you prioritize unique Practice School industry exposure, Institute of Eminence status, entrepreneurial alumni network, and can afford the higher fee structure for comprehensive residential campus experience. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9854 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I am 38 right now, I have 60 Lacs in mutual funds , I dont have any liabilities and I dont want to have kids in future. I have a house on which there is no loan I have properties worth 4 cr which I am planning to sell and invest in properties where I can get rent, a rental yield of 3-4% so that I can earn monthly rent. I have health insurance of 10 lacs, but since I have kidney problems no company will give me health insurance now. I have term insurance of 50 Lacs. I want to retire at 40, is it possible, considering my lifestyle my monthly expense is hardly 30k, I take a trip once a year so my yearly expense will be 5-6 Lacs max not more than that. I am fed up with my job and just want to quit and live peacefully, what is your advise??
Ans: Your clarity of thought is very good.
You have no debt.
You have good savings.
And you understand your expenses well.
This gives you a great starting point.

Let us now go into every aspect deeply.
You want peace of mind.
You want financial security.
We will look at every angle to build that for you.

? Current Assets and Liabilities

– Mutual funds: Rs. 60 lakh.
– No loans or EMIs.
– One house fully paid off.
– Properties worth Rs. 4 crore.
– Health insurance cover: Rs. 10 lakh.
– Term insurance cover: Rs. 50 lakh.
– Medical condition: Chronic kidney issue.
– Monthly expenses: Rs. 30,000 approx.
– Yearly lifestyle expense: Rs. 5–6 lakh.

Your asset base is quite strong.
Your lifestyle needs are limited.
This makes early retirement a possible goal.
But we must plan it very carefully.

? Your Real Retirement Goal

You are 38 years old now.
You want to retire by 40.
That means financial freedom for 40+ years.
From age 40 to 85 or 90.
That’s around 45–50 years of no active income.

You must prepare for:
– Regular income.
– Inflation.
– Medical expenses.
– Unplanned needs.
– Market ups and downs.

With that clarity, we’ll plan every element.

? Dependence on Real Estate

You wish to sell Rs. 4 crore of property.
You want to reinvest in rent-yielding properties.
But rental yield in India is very low.

Even at 4% rental yield:
– Rs. 4 crore gives only Rs. 13.3 lakh per year.
– That is around Rs. 1.1 lakh per month.
– This rent is not fixed.
– There will be vacancy periods.
– There will be maintenance costs.
– Rental laws are complex.
– Property is not liquid in emergencies.

Also note:
– Real estate does not give compounding growth.
– Real estate does not beat inflation reliably.
– Property income is taxable fully.
– Reinvestment also involves stamp duty, GST and legal fees.

Instead of property, we need a more fluid and tax-efficient plan.

? Better Way to Generate Regular Income

You already have Rs. 60 lakh in mutual funds.
Mutual funds grow faster than rent.
They are more flexible.
They offer compounding growth.
They give better liquidity.

You may follow this route:
– Divide your corpus into two buckets.
– Bucket 1: Emergency + short-term (liquid + arbitrage + conservative hybrid funds).
– Bucket 2: Long-term growth (equity + balanced advantage + large & midcap funds).

From year 1 to 5:
– Use Bucket 1 for monthly income.
– Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– Adjust yearly for inflation.

From year 6 onward:
– Start withdrawing from Bucket 2 (which grew meanwhile).
– This plan can last 40+ years.
– Keep reviewing funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

This approach is safer than property.
Also better tax-wise and return-wise.

? Your Health Insurance Gap

You already have Rs. 10 lakh health insurance.
But your kidney issue limits new policy chances.

Still, you can do these:
– Check if your insurer offers top-up policy on existing cover.
– Check if your existing policy allows critical illness add-on.
– Start building your own “Health Corpus” in mutual funds.
– Keep Rs. 15–20 lakh for future medical use.
– This fund should be in short duration debt and hybrid funds.
– Do not use it for any other purpose.

You must keep upgrading your medical buffer.
This protects your peace during retirement.

? Your Term Insurance and Estate Plan

You have Rs. 50 lakh term cover.
But you don’t have dependents.
You don’t want kids.

So term insurance is not really needed now.
Let it lapse at the end of the term.
Instead, make a clear will.
Write down who will get your assets.
Nominate someone responsible.
Also choose a healthcare nominee.
This avoids future legal hassles.

A good estate plan brings clarity and peace.

? Why Real Estate May Not Be Ideal

As said before, rental income looks attractive.
But it has many hidden costs.
Also rental returns are flat for years.

Let’s look at its limitations:
– Property values don’t grow fast now.
– Selling takes time and effort.
– Rent is taxable at slab rate.
– Property attracts maintenance, tax, legal issues.
– Natural disasters or tenant damage is risky.

Instead, mutual funds offer:
– Tax-efficiency.
– Diversification.
– Liquidity.
– Passive income via SWP.
– Better visibility of returns.
– Option to rebalance anytime.

You don’t need to block Rs. 4 crore into property.
Keep your assets fluid and productive.

? Asset Allocation Plan

You can retire with peace if assets are well divided.
This kind of allocation may suit you:

Rs. 30 lakh – Short-term & medical corpus (in hybrid & debt funds).

Rs. 1 crore – Long-term equity corpus (flexi cap, large & midcap, balanced advantage).

Rs. 30 lakh – Opportunity fund (in dynamic asset allocation + gold + global equity).

Rs. 50 lakh – Health buffer + SWP support (in hybrid conservative funds).

From age 40, start SWP from Rs. 60 lakh gradually.
The remaining grows for later years.
A Certified Financial Planner can optimise this plan yearly.

? Tax Planning and Capital Gains

Your mutual fund gains have new tax rules:
– LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

You must plan your withdrawals smartly.
Use funds where gains are under threshold.
Split redemptions smartly to minimise tax.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide this in detail.
Real estate has less tax flexibility.
Mutual funds give better post-tax returns.

? Mental Peace After Retirement

You are tired of work.
You want to relax, travel, and enjoy your hobbies.
You want no financial pressure.

That means your income must:
– Be predictable.
– Be tax-efficient.
– Grow with inflation.
– Be flexible.

Only actively managed mutual funds with SWP offer this.
Rent cannot match this.
Rental is fixed and does not adjust to inflation.
Also, if property is vacant, your income stops.

So build your post-retirement life around flexible income.
Mutual fund route is better for that.

? Lifestyle Budgeting

You spend Rs. 30,000 monthly.
Annual travel: Rs. 1–2 lakh.
Total: Rs. 5–6 lakh per year.

Even if we account for inflation:
– Rs. 8–10 lakh per year after 10 years.
– Plan to withdraw this much through SWP.
– Corpus must grow more than inflation.
– Fund selection and review is key here.

A Certified Financial Planner can review every year.
They keep your portfolio aligned to lifestyle changes.

Don’t depend on fixed income like rent alone.
You need flexible wealth.

? Avoiding Index Funds or Direct Funds

Some people may suggest index funds or direct mutual funds.
But those are not ideal for your case.

Here’s why:
– Index funds mirror the market blindly.
– They don’t protect downside.
– They give no active management.
– Direct funds give no advisor support.

In your case, you need safety, growth and personal advice.
So regular funds through a CFP or MFD is better.
You get expert support.
You get help in withdrawals, taxes, rebalancing.
You can’t afford mistakes during retirement.

Always go with actively managed regular plans.

? Emergency Planning

Keep Rs. 15–20 lakh in short-term funds.
Use only for medical, travel or family needs.
Do not mix with lifestyle fund.

Emergency planning is essential in your case.
It avoids stress and unwanted debt.
It gives peace during health issues.

? Portfolio Review and Execution

Once you retire, you must review portfolio every 6 months.
Funds may underperform.
You may need to switch assets.
Inflation may rise faster.
Tax rules may change.

A Certified Financial Planner tracks this for you.
They adjust things proactively.
That gives confidence for 40+ years of retired life.

? Final Insights

– You have a solid base to retire by 40.
– You don’t need rental properties.
– Sell your existing real estate slowly and smartly.
– Reinvest in mutual funds across buckets.
– Use SWP for monthly income from age 40.
– Plan Rs. 6–8 lakh yearly income for 45+ years.
– Avoid direct or index funds.
– Avoid annuities.
– Do not over-rely on rental income.
– Build a health corpus of Rs. 20 lakh.
– Keep Rs. 15 lakh as emergency fund.
– Let Rs. 1.5–2 crore grow in equity for long-term.
– Get help from a CFP every year.
– Your journey can be peaceful and safe.

Stay consistent.
Stay invested.
Stay reviewed.
Early retirement is not a dream.
It is a plan.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Dr Upneet

Dr Upneet Kaur  |63 Answers  |Ask -

Marriage counsellor - Answered on Jul 26, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I am (35) married for 4 years (wife 31) and it was an arranged marriage. During our conversations before the marriage that she told me she had a boyfriend and she broke up with her ex bf as he cheated on her. I was never in a relationship all my life till I started talking to my current wife in the year 2020. We only met in person after speaking to each other for more than 9 months via video and audio calls as both of us were living in different countries. After our marriage in 2021 we now have a 2 year old kid. A year ago, I found out that I was her 6th or 7th relationship. She also had physical relationships with several guys during her university days in Udupi, Manipal. She was also in a live in relationship in Udupi for almost a year with her boyfriend during her final year. After her graduation she moved to another country where she was again in an emotional and physical relationship with a different guy. After knowing all this I feel traumatized. I don't have any feelings for her as of now. I just do not care about her existence anymore. I am only worried about the future of my child. The most horrible part is that we still live together under the same roof. Our parents are in India and we reside in US. I really do not know how to proceed. The only good value that I see in her is that she is a good mom to our child. She has a good rapport with my parents and they like her a lot. My parents often suggests my younger sister to consider her as a model. These reasons prevent me from filing for a divorce. My wife does not have an income and if I proceed with a divorce she will have no means to stay here and will have to relocate to India. Most probably Custody of child will be with her and I will not be able to survive a day without my child beside me. I am just trapped in this traumatic, unproductive marriage of mine and it prevents me from accomplishing my goals. I work late hours and try not to be at home just to avoid seeing her. Trying to avoid physical relationship as well. I feel it disgusting these days. Is there a way out?
Ans: Hello sir. Well, this is actually a very complex situation. Knowing all this about your partner and still living with her could feel frustrated and trapped. Filing divorce could make this relationship even more complex. For your daughter, as you told that she is a good mother and daughter in law. You should take a pause and rethink about it. Take some time with yourself and try to forgive your wife. You ll feel more peace and eventually you ll be good.
Take care!
Regards
Dr Upneet Kaur
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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9445 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 26, 2025

Career
Sir Pls assist me..I've got CSE in Guru teg bahadur khalsa college... but I'm thinking of vips cse but I'm very confused if I should go there,Cause there are a lot of negatives and little Positive according to what everyone is saying ..so should I go with VIPS or not also if I get BPIT or Bhartiya vidyapeeth..in the spot round ..should I prefer going there..with a branch lower than cse..rather than going to Guru teg bahadur khalsa or VIPS.Later I can try for branch change in next sem or year
Ans: Sri Guru Teghadur Khalsa College’s B.Sc. (Hons.) in Computer Science, offered under Delhi University’s North Campus, benefits from NAAC “A+” accreditation, a robust research-active faculty, and an established placement cell (IGNITE) that secures a median package of ?6.05 LPA and facilitates placements for nearly 65% of eligible CSE and related-stream students through recruiters like Deloitte, EY, TCS, and Amazon. The 60-70% internship-to-placement conversion underscores solid industry ties, though high competition and limited specialized labs can stretch resources.

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS), IPU, Delhi, holds NAAC A+ accreditation, features well-equipped AI/ML, cybersecurity, and networks labs, and maintains an 75–85% CSE placement rate with average packages of ?4.5–?6.5 LPA from companies such as Amazon, Infosys, and Wipro. Its student-centered pedagogy and modern campus life enhance learning, but classroom sizes can impede personalized mentoring during peak hiring cycles.

Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology (BPIT), Rohini, Delhi, an ISO 9001–certified, NBA-accredited private college, records a 75–85% CSE placement rate and an average package of ?5–7 LPA, with top offers up to ?15 LPA from TCS, Cognizant, and Infosys. Structured pre-placement training, active alumni referrals, and MoUs for internships strengthen employability, though core electronics and ECE roles attract fewer recruiters, nudging many to pivot into software.

Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, Paschim Vihar (BVCOE), Delhi, a NAAC A++ and NBA-accredited institution, reports a 67.7% overall placement rate in CSE with a median package of ?6.5 LPA and participation from 64 recruiters including IBM, Accenture, and S&P Global. Strong placement cell support and modern labs in AI, data analytics, and systems integration foster broad technical exposure, though competitive IPU exams can limit intake flexibility.

All four institutions permit horizontal and vertical upgradation: Delhi University’s CSAS-UG system allows “Upgrade” or “Freeze” of seats in subsequent rounds, with upgradation subject to merit order, seat availability, and order of preference, while IPU institutes like VIPS, BPIT, and BVCOE enable branch change at the start of the third semester based on first-year performance (minimum CGPA criteria), a per-college application process, and non-refundable processing fees. This flexibility ensures that candidates in lower-preference branches may transition to CSE or IT if vacancies arise, provided they meet the internal CGPA benchmarks.

Recommendation: Secure admission in BPIT CSE for its balanced 75–85% placement consistency, structured pre-placement training, and ISO/NBA-certified processes. Next, consider VIPS CSE for its modern labs and 75%+ placements within IPU’s vibrant campus. Then evaluate SGTB Khalsa CSE for its DU prestige, 60–70% placement and median ?6.05 LPA via IGNITE. Finally, BVCOE Delhi CSE offers broad recruiter engagement and a ?6.5 LPA median but sits behind DU/IPU brands. In all cases, leverage branch-upgradation options in the next semester to shift into preferred streams if initial allotments fall short. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9445 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 26, 2025

Career
My son has been allotted a seat in B Tech (ECE) at both Faculty of Technology (Delhi University) and PEC, Chandigarh. He has also been allotted B Tech/ M Tech (Dual Degree) (Augmented Reality) in GGSIPU. Which one should we choose?
Ans: Sanjay Sir, Based on the following insights/information and your son's interests/long-term goals, please choose the most suitable option out of the 3 options he has: The Faculty of Technology (FoT University of Delhi’s B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering is an AICTE-approved, NAAC-accredited programme delivered by a Delhi University department with small cohort sizes (120 seats), outcome-based curriculum, and direct access to DU North Campus placement drives; the central placement cell reports median CSE packages of ?8.5 LPA in 2023, with ECE graduates benefiting similarly from ties to top recruiters like Deloitte, Wipro, TCS, and Infosys. Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh offers a B.Tech in ECE under its deemed-university status, with 119 eligible ECE students in 2023 yielding 112 on-campus offers (∼95% placement), average package around ?14.5 LPA and median ?12 LPA, top recruiters including Microsoft, Amazon and Adobe, robust labs for signal processing, VLSI, IoT, and a dedicated Career Development & Guidance Centre. GGSIPU’s B.Tech/M.Tech dual-degree in Augmented Reality through USAR spans six years (4+2), integrating foundational electronics, computer graphics, 3D modelling, UX and computer vision in specialized AR/VR labs, MoUs with industry platforms (Unity, ICT Academy), PARAM supercomputing access, and training cell support; while specific AR placements are nascent, overall USICT placements recorded 76% in 2023 with an average ?7.2 LPA and highest ?41.2 LPA, reflecting growing but developing industry uptake. FoT DU excels in academic rigor, theoretical foundations, and broad recruiter access; PEC Chandigarh leads in placement rates, higher average compensation, and mature core-ECE infrastructure; GGSIPU’s AR dual-degree uniquely positions graduates at the frontier of immersive technologies, offering international curriculum scope but with emerging placement pathways.

Recommendation: Prioritize PEC Chandigarh’s ECE for its proven ∼95% placement consistency, mature labs, and strong recruiter engagement ensuring immediate employability in core electronics and communications. Next, consider DU FoT ECE for its prestigious DU affiliation, outcome-based pedagogy, and broad-spectrum industry access. Lastly, choose the GGSIPU AR dual degree as an innovative long-term investment for specialized expertise in augmented-reality systems and burgeoning immersive-tech roles, accepting that placement networks are still evolving. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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